TOPIC:

I'm looking to change over to the 530 chain for my 82' Kawasaki KZ750 LTD (Four), and I guess I first want to start out an ask what the orginal ratio would have been from front to rear (no. of teeth front: no. of teeth rear). I have found some conflicting information, I think because of the 750 4 cyl. vs 2 cyl. I'm pretty sure it was something like 16:32 though.
Anyways I think I want to go with a 16:30 ratio, but I haven't been able to find any 530 sprockets under 38 teeth for the rear, even on Z1 enterprises and was wondering where other guys on here have gotten them from.

If you have a service manual it will have the standard sprocket final drive listed in the specs. I suspect it will be somewhere around 2.3

13/32 are the stock sprockets

13 + 3 = 16T (530 front sprocket size that matches the diameter of your original sprocket)

16 x 32/13 = 39T for the rear sprocket

The stock 630 chain was 84 links long.

84 x 6/8 (distance between links)= 63" long chain

63 / (5/8) = 100.8 (use a 102 link 530 chain)

Hope this helps

Nessism wrote: 13/32 are the stock sprockets
13 + 3 = 16T (530 front sprocket size that matches the diameter of your original sprocket)
16 x 32/13 = 39T for the rear sprocket
The stock 630 chain was 84 links long.
84 x 6/8 (distance between links)= 63" long chain
63 / (5/8) = 100.8 (use a 102 link 530 chain)
Hope this helps

Pretty good information (as usual)!!
Question: is the OEM 630 chain an o-ring unit? If not, does a 530 o-ring chain will be wider than the OEM 630 (maybe) not o-ring unit?
Asking just to be sure a 530 o-ring will not rub anywhere if wider.

Width isn't an issue unless doing a restromod with super wide rear wheel. I converted my 750 to 530, as have countless others, without issue.

Silly question. Why converting to a 530 over stock?

530 is lighter.  Chains and sprockets are more widely available and cheaper.  530 is more efficient because it has shorter links, thus when it rotates around the sprockets, particularly the front, it provides a more smooth power flow.  Lastly because there are more rollers and sprocket teeth the wear is slower.

Back 40 years ago, when chains were not particularly durable, even O-ring chains, 630 was desirable for high HP engines because the tensile strength is greater.  This is a function of the thick side plates, which by the way are not wear points.  As time moved forward and chain tech improved 630 fell off the map.  Even motogp bikes don't use 630.  530, and even 520, chains are more than strong enough these days for even the most powerful bikes.  Further, the best tech is saved for these sizes.  630 is relegated to vintage bikes these days for the most part.

By any chance do you know if a 17T 530 Fr sprocket will fit the 750H?   
The 70s 650s came stock w a 16T Fr & I would assume the 750H Fr sprocket fitment is pretty much the same. Thanks.

16/39t
102 link 530 chain
Got it!

Now, where can we get them?

Thx

JL
 

Z1Enterprises.com.  You can search for sprockets there. or choose a 77 KZ650-C1 which came stock w the 530 stuff >> the chain & sprockets will be in the Maintenance Parts section.

Old 630 and new 530 side by side. The rollers on the 630 are beefier and further apart and the 630 is heavier but the width is  the same . - without putting a micrometer on it.

Cant remember where I got the sprockets but think I ended up with one JT and  one Sunstar
 
I made the switch 3 or 4 years ago and I don't believe I have had to adjust the new chain since.

 

This is an instructive article.  en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roller_chain#Chain_strength